Championship themes: Boro on the rise, Sheffield United struggling and Ipswich disappointing

The Sky Sports Essential EFL podcast covers the biggest talking points of the Championship season. The Championship returns on Friday night with Ipswich v Sheffield United, live on Sky Sports Football from 7.30pm; kick-off 8pm.

'Edwards quickly created a culture at Middlesbrough'

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Andy Hinchcliffe assesses Middlesbrough's brilliant start to the season on Sky Sports Essential EFL podcast

Middlesbrough are the only team in the Championship with a 100 per cent record, having won four out of four under new manager Rob Edwards. They top the table.

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Andy Hinchcliffe on Sky Sports Essential EFL podcast:

“Tenth place last season was clearly not enough. I liked Michael Carrick's approach but it was ineffective and they couldn't get anywhere near the top six. Rob Edwards knows what he's doing. He proved that at Luton and although his appointment was a surprise, the signings have been impressive.”

Fans have not missed Finn Azaz because of the quality he has acquired elsewhere. Middlesbrough look solid. Luke Ayling, Del Fry and Alfie Jones in defence, with Hayden Hackney and Aidan Morris providing security in midfield, give them a solid foundation.

“Add new options up front, I'd expect Tommy Conway to score 15 goals, and they'll have real balance. Against Sheffield United they were a vastly superior team in terms of pace, quality and organisation. Rob has quickly created a culture that makes them stronger at the back without sacrificing control or threat up front.”

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“A disaster for Sheffield United”

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Joby McAnuff on Sheffield United's problems

At the other end of the scale are Sheffield United, who have yet to pick up a point this season under Ruben Selles, and his appointment as Chris Wilder's replacement has so far proved a difficult task.

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Joby McAnuff on Sky Sports Essential EFL podcast:

“It's been a disaster for Sheffield United. They haven't won a game and when you look at the table and see Sheffield Wednesday above them it's even more disappointing. Given the level of play at Bramall Lane, it was an unacceptable start. Ruben Selles came on after the defeat at Middlesbrough, which is commendable, but it's not enough to say you're the right man for the job. There are serious concerns about the way the team is being put together.

At Middlesbrough, Sidi Peck was left one-on-one with a holding midfielder, and Gus Hamer and Callum O'Hara were forced onto the pitch, leaving them too exposed. Against a team with a strong midfield control, this was tactical naivety. The players looked frustrated and unsure of themselves by this approach, and this lack of self-belief leads to very long games.

“Selles needs to adapt quickly. He needs to respect his opponents, especially away from home, and be more decisive. This club doesn't give him time to experiment right now and he needs immediate results.”

“Leicester is not glamorous, but it is effective”

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Hinchcliffe assesses Leicester's confident start

Leicester have won three of their four games, and the play has not always been stylish, but they have risen to the challenge and overcome a turbulent first few weeks when the squad was still uncertain.

Andy Hinchcliffe on Sky Sports Essential EFL podcast:

The wins against Charlton and Birmingham were exactly the kind of results that are needed in the Championship. Even with the uncertainty of who was staying and who was going, they still found a way to put in a tenacious and resilient performance against teams that were widely considered to have outplayed them. It shows that Leicester have the desire, the hunger and the resilience. Marty Cifuentes now knows exactly what squad he will be working with in the future and there is still plenty of talent in this group, especially the young ones.

Expectations will be high. When you play for a recently relegated Leicester with a strong squad, everyone expects you to be fighting for a top-six place. I'm sure you will. Their good start to the season has given them a breather before the international break. Imagine if they were in the bottom six without a win and talk about Marty's future would have already begun.

Instead, they laid a solid foundation. It wasn't a spectacular achievement, but it was effective, and fans will appreciate the effort and resilience the team showed.

'Disappointing start for Ipswich'

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McAnuff analyses Ipswich's current season

Ipswich Town are widely tipped to win the title but their return to the Championship has been a disappointing one. They are yet to win a game this season, drawing three and losing one of their first four games under Kieran McKenna.

Joby McAnuff on Sky Sports Essential EFL podcast:

Ipswich Town have not impressed yet given the quality of their squad. When they arrived they had a clear structure and strategic planning in their signings, which allowed them to gain Championship experience, which allowed them to hit the ground running.

“They have lost key players like Delap and Hutchinson but those they have retained should be more than good. The team so far lacks the rhythm and fluidity in possession that we expect from Kieran McKenna's side.”

Central midfield proved a particular weak link, lacking the balance provided by the likes of Massimo Luongo and Sam Morsy.

“The dedication of the Sheffield Wednesday players was outstanding”

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Hinchliffe discusses Sheffield Wednesday

Amid all the adversity and strife at Sheffield Wednesday, the staff and players have shown real resilience on the pitch, as evidenced by their goalless performance at Wrexham last month.

Andy Hinchcliffe on Sky Sports Essential EFL podcast:

Sheffield Wednesday have shown real resilience and care for their club. They are certainly not the strongest team and do not have the numbers, but the dedication of those on the pitch is amazing. The players and fans know that the future of the club depends on them and despite the uncertainty with the owners, they are doing everything they can.

In an era when many footballers are accused of playing only for money or career prospects, the Wednesday team stands out. They are genuine fans of the club. They could easily play by the rules, but they don’t. This dedication has inspired them and helped them remain competitive, despite club restrictions and injuries.

However, resilience and desire can only get you so far. Without improvements off the pitch and in the squad, the team remains in danger of relegation. However, Sheffield Wednesday are a shining example of players who genuinely care about their club, and that dedication deserves recognition.

'Closing the window will help Southampton calm down'

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What does McAnuff make of Southampton's mixed start?

Many Championship managers will be delighted to see the window close, but few will be as pleased as Will Still, who finally has a stable squad in place at Southampton.

Joby McAnuff on Sky Sports Essential EFL podcast:

Southampton have been smart. The arrival of Tom Fellows gives them natural width to complement narrow forwards such as Adam Armstrong, who prefers a central position, while Finn Azaz adds creativity in midfield. The new signings give manager Will a clearer idea of the squad he can work with, but the delay in completing the transfers has been a problem.

“The ongoing uncertainty over players like Tyler Dibling and Matheus Fernandes is making it difficult for the team to settle in and for the coach to fully implement his plans.

“As soon as the transfer window closed, everyone knew who was staying, which allowed the team to focus and implement Will's methods. With that clarity and the quality of the squad, they have every chance of having a successful season.”